How To Buy Your First Snowboard

Introduction: Buying your first board is the first step to being a full-on snowboarder! Whether you are completely new or have a bit of experience, finding the right shred stick can greatly improve your experience on the slopes. In this guide, we will walk you through some key considerations and steps to help you make an informed decision, and overall, find the perfect snowboard for you.

1. Riding Style: Understanding your riding style is critical to selecting the right snowboard. Consider whether you prefer freestyle (jibs and jumps), freeride (backcountry and big terrain), or all-mountain (a little of everything). Each style has specific characteristics and requires different board features. Freestyle boards are more maneuverable for jumps and jibs, while freeride boards excel in powder and off-piste terrain. All-mountain boards offer versatility and are suitable for various terrains.

    

2. Ability Level: Some boards are beginner friendly, while others cater toward a seasoned rider. Long story short, Beginners usually benefit from softer and more forgiving boards, as they provide stability and make learning easier. While intermediate to advanced riders might prefer stiffer boards for better control and responsiveness. We believe that anyone can ride pretty much any board, however, some will be better suited to learning fundamental snowboarding.

    

3. Board Size: Choosing the right board size is probably the most important step in finding the perfect board. Factors such as your weight, riding style, and most common riding conditions influence the ideal board length. Generally, shorter boards are more maneuverable, while longer boards offer stability at high speeds. We recommend sizing your snowboard by the manufacturers recommended rider weight, as how the board flexes under you determines how it performs and feels. When in doubt, check the manufacturer's size charts and consult with experienced riders or professionals to determine the right length for you. As a side note, riders with bigger boots (10.5+) should consider riding a “wide” board, usually notated with a W after the length (i.e.155W). This will help minimize toe and heel drag when carving.

    

4. Board Flex: Flex refers to the board's stiffness. Softer boards are forgiving and easier to control, making them ideal for beginners or freestylers. Stiffer boards provide increased stability and responsiveness at higher speeds, suitable for more advanced riders. Consider your riding style and skill level when deciding on the flex that best suits your needs. In addition to board flex there is board profile to consider. There are 3 main board profiles.

    

   1. Camber: A traditional snowboard profile with a slight downward curve in the middle. Provides good control, stability, and precision for experienced riders who like aggressive turns.

       

   2. Rocker: Also called reverse camber or banana, it has an upward curve in the middle and raised contact points. Provides a playful and forgiving ride, suitable for beginners, pow chasers, and those who enjoy a relaxed/surfy ride.

       

   3. Hybrid: Many boards combine rocker and camber for a versatile ride, blending stability, maneuverability, and float in various conditions.

       

5. Board Shape: There are 5 main types of snowboards. Snowboards may also come in hybrid shapes that combine multiple board shapes.

    

   1. Directional: This shape is designed for riding mainly in one direction, typically with a longer, narrower nose (front) and a shorter, wider tail (back). It provides stability, good control, and better performance in powder or freeride conditions.

       

   2. Twin: A twin shape means the snowboard is symmetrical in both the nose and tail. This design is popular among freestyle riders who like to ride and land tricks in either direction. It offers a balanced feel and is ideal for park riding and switch (riding backward).

       

   3. Directional Twin: This shape combines aspects of both the directional and twin shapes. It has a slightly longer nose and a shorter tail, providing versatility for all-mountain riding. It offers stability at higher speeds, good control in various conditions, and the ability to ride switch comfortably.

       

   4. Powder: Powder snowboards are designed for deep, soft snow. They have a large surface area, softer flex, and a setback stance for maximum floatation. Then tend to be longer and rockered, or short and wide to maximize maneuverability without sacrificing float.

       

6. Compatibility: Boots and bindings are essential components of your snowboarding setup. Ensure that the bindings are compatible with your chosen board. It's recommended to invest in good quality boots and bindings that will last long and provide a comfortable riding experience.

    

7. Do Your Research: Researching different snowboard brands, models, and reviews can help you make an informed decision. Look for reputable brands that have been making snowboards for a while. Find brands that represent you as a rider. Read reviews from riders with similar preferences to get insights into specific models and their performance on the mountain.

    

8. Try before you buy: Whenever possible, try out the snowboard before purchasing it. Many resorts and local snowboard shops offer equipment demos, which allows you to test different boards. Take advantage of this opportunity to get a feel for various models and determine which one suits you best. Testing a board helps you assess its responsiveness, maneuverability, and whether it fits you as a rider.

Conclusion: Buying your first snowboard the first step to becoming a better snowboarder. By considering your riding style, ability level, board size, flex, and doing thorough research, you'll be well-prepared to make an informed purchase. Remember to test the snowboard before buying to ensure it matches your preferences and riding style. With the right snowboard, you'll be ready to hit the slopes and embark on a thrilling snowboarding journey.